For any PTO's looking to help supply technology for their schools - make SURE that your district approves any plans you make. You've got to work very closely with them.
Once the computers are in the door, they have to be prepared to support them - and that's a much bigger deal than you might think.
I'm sure they'll be very greatful for any help and support, but you have to coordinate with them to make sure your efforts aren't wasted.
Also be sure to check out Gifts in Kind. www.giftsinkind.org/
This is a charity clearing house. You have to be a 501(c) and pay annual registration fee ($100-$250), but it opens the doors to a lot of products that have been donated by major companies. There may be addtional administration fees, but a tiny fraction of the value. (I believe IBM works exclusing through this group now.)
PTA Renegade - I saw your earlier post about info on getting computers donated. We are about to refurbish our old ag building and make it into a media center. We are trying to open another computer lab, but don't have the budget. Please tell me how to go about getting IMac's for this lab. The county is pretty strict about donations, but I'd love to have a jump off point.
Hope you can help. Thanks
Microsoft website does have a form you can fill out for charitable donations. You may qualify for something. Try writing companies like Dell, Gateway, HP. If they won't donate new computers, maybe they'll donate refurbished computers which would still be an upgrade. Our local grocery store participates in Apples for Students in which we save grocery receipts and exchange them for computers. Might want to contact Apple computers for more info. We held an annual walk-a-thon every year for computer upgrades. You can get corporate sponsors, etc. to raise money.
